The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Understanding What the ADA Means

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) emphasizes individual abilities rather than disabilities, as well as protects the employment and access rights of impaired individuals. Individuals with disabilities should be given the same considerations and courtesies that are afforded to other applicants and employees.

A disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment which limits one or more major life activities such as seeing, speaking, hearing, breathing, walking, or learning. The ADA also applies to individuals who have a record of such impairment or are regarded as having such impairment. The ADA does not protect illegal drug use, gambling, kleptomania, temporary injuries or illnesses.

Who Can Help?

ADA Contact Persons at Texas A&M University

An employee who requires a reasonable accommodation should inform their supervisor. Departments can find support for responding to accommodation requests by contacting the appropriate university ADA contact person.

ADA Guidance - Accommodations for University Sponsored Events

Texas A&M University sponsors events that are open to persons both within and outside the University community. With certain exceptions, under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the University has an obligation to make reasonable Accommodations for University Sponsored Events for persons with disabilities, including members of the public, which will enable those persons to participate in the sponsored events.

This guide is not intended to be a substitute for assistance from Policy & Practice Review (staff), the Office of the Dean of Faculties (faculty), or Services for Students with Disabilities (students). Please consult these individual offices for assistance in complying with the ADA.

ADA for Supervisors and Faculty

An online course (#2111125) entitled "ADA for Supervisors and Faculty" is found in TrainTraq. This course provides examples of ADA issues, along with guidelines on responding to these issues. The course includes contact information for assistance. If you need assistance with an ADA issue, please contact the appropriate System Designated Contact for your department.